Control of drafting operations



June 9, 1964 F. D. BREWER CONTROL OF DRAFTING OPERATIONS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1- Filed March 12, 1957 4 W/ J 4 w I f Z 0 M 7 @Wj z a a 4 June 9, 1964 F. D. BREWER 3,136,064

CONTROL OF DRAFTING OPERATIONS Filed March 12, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 U d S P I t O L Patented June 9, -1 964 FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are sectional views of other modi- 34136064 fications in the form of certain of said elements;

CQNTRQL F DRAF'IING OPERATIONS Francis I). Brewer, 11 Perry St, Qambridge, Mass. Filed Mar. 12, 1957, Ser. No. 645,552 2 Claims. (Cl. 33-75) (Granted under Title 35, US. Code (E52 sec. 266) The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the United States Government for governmental purposes without payment to me of any royalty thereon.

This invention relates to the graphic and pictorial arts, and particularly to methods and means to facilitate and accelerate the processes of applying ink, dye, stain, or fluid coloring to maps, drawing paper, sketch pads, or other flat surfaces serving as vehicles for reception of such design-delineating materials.

Fluid materials used in design drafting, and analogous operations, as, for example, the inking of patent drawings, require a certain amount of time to dry, that is, to be transformed from the fluid to the permanently set, or solid, state. During this drying period there is danger of blotting or smearing of the ink or other delineating fluid, as by the either accidental or intentional brushing thereof in the process of moving the hand or some drafting aid (T-square or template, for example) across the surface area containing the recently applied ink or other marking fluid.

Heretofore the only sure method of avoiding such blotting or smearing has been to interrupt the drafting or other illustrating operation, after each stroke of the drafting process, to permit the lapse of a period of time suflicient for completion of the ink-drying cycle; otherwise the movement of the T-square, template, or other drafting aid across the recently inked surface would be likely to produce the objectionable blotting or smearing. The present invention provides methods and means permitting continuous, uninterrupted application of ink or other marking fluid, and continual adjusting progression of drafting aids across the work area in a manner that avoids physical contact between such drafting aids, on the one hand, and the still fluid ink, on the other, thereby eliminating 'or substantially minimizing the danger of smearing or otherwise defacing the illustration or design as it develops, stroke by stroke. Apparatus allowsthe continual working over wetted surfaces by bridging over said surfaces, whereas the old method of having the instruments lay directly on the work sheet caused a loss of time and a natural nervous disturbance to draftsmen in waiting for the ink to dry.

The methods for accomplishing the purposes of the invention may be practiced through the instrumentalities illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 35 and sub-FIGURES 20a, [2, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k and 35a, inclusive, of the accompanying drawings, which instrumentalities also constitute embodiments of the invention. In these drawings:

FIG. 1 is a view partly in perspective and partly in elevation, of adjustable drafting aids forming related components of a drafting machineembodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are views along lines 3-3 and 4--4, respectively, of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6'is a sectional view along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views showing modified forms of certain of the elements illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 7;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views of further modifications;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are sectional views of still further modifications;

FIGS. l8, 19, 20 and 21, including sub-views 20a-20k, inclusive, are views of embodiments employing freely rotatable or equivalent elements journaled or otherwise retained in a drafting instrument to hold the latter out of physical contact with the surface being treated;

FIGS. 22, 23, 24 and 25 are sectional views of other embodiments for certain elements common to all illustrated species;

FIG. 26 is a plan view of another form of drafting apparatus embodying the invention;

FIG. 27 is an edge view of one portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 26;

2 FIG. 28 is a sectional view along line 28-28 of FIG.

FIGS. 29 and 29a are perspective views of an application of the invention to a rectilinearly movable drafting appliance slidable along a drafting board holding a work sheet;

FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic bottom plan view of an embodiment wherein the work sheet is continuously or periodically shifted about a central point, to present progressively changing attitudes to a drafting appliance superimposed thereon but vertically spaced therefrom to avoid smearing the work;

FIG. 31 shows a drafting board having a recessed area to receive a work-gripping pad; the outer margin of the board being adapted to support a drafting appliance in vertically spaced relation to the work sheet when the latter is placed in position upon such pad, thus facilitating practice of the invention;

FIG. 32 is a sectional view along line 32--32 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a sectional view of an arrangement similar to that of FIGS. 31 and 32'but with addition of illumination means;

FIG. 34 shows an arrangement similar to that of FIG. 29 but with additional motion controls; and

FIGS. 35 and 35a are views showing another pedestal arrangement, applicable to any drafting instrument re ferred to herein.

In FIG. 1 a pair of straight-edged inking blades 50 and 51, constituting part of a drafting machine, are shown overlying a work sheet 52 having zig-zag patterns 53, 54 penciled thereon, for subsequent reception of ink to be applied thereto through the medium of a ruling pen with the blades 50, 51 serving as guide tools, the motion of the blades 50 and 51 being in turn guided by the movement imparted to operating levers 56, 57 whose hub portion 58 encircles pivot post 59 and supports bell-crank 61 whose latching terminals 62, 63 are secured to blades 50 and 51, respectively, to maintain control of their attitudes and movements, in Well-known fashion. Adjusting screw d4 allows drafting machine height control. Blades 50 and 51 differ from the conventional apparatus, however, in that they include adjustable screws 56, 67, 68, 69, 70 and 71, of which the first four are the same size, and lift the blades 59 and 51 clear of drawing 52 vertically while screws 70 and 71 are of smaller gage to lessen the possibility of blotting or smearing when the rounded and smooth points of the screws 79 and 71 which are used as adjustable fingers are moved to press down any immediate and irregular heights that may be present due to lack of parallelism between blade surface and work sheet surface at the area of inking on the Work sheet 52.

Radial positions of blades 50 and 51 as represented by dash lines 72, 73, 74 and 75 and corresponding to zig-zag pattern 53 and 54 being inked, may be switched to suit omitted portions of pattern while remainder of work is still wet under upraised blades 50 and 51.

In FIG. 2 a common straight edge 80 is shown adapted to uses of the invention by elevating straight edge 80 vertically with adjustable screws 81-82 and a sliding laminated assembly 83 whose pedestal, portion 87 serves to hold work sheet 52 down at the point of inking. Added screw holes 84 are depicted whereby screws 81 and 82 may be inserted to achieve varied longitudinal spans.

FIG. 3 shows the elements just referred to in operating position, with screws 81--82 adjusted to the same level as the bottom surface of pedestal 87 when making contact with the work sheet 52.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section .-4 through FIG. 2 of a typical laminated assembly 83, comprising cap 85, spacer 86, pedestal 87, fastened by means of rivets 88.

In FIG. a common triangle 90 also used in drafting or illustration, shows two different forms of the invention, namely, first, a combination of reversible and adjustable screws 91-92-93 providing three-point bearing action in conjunction with slider assembly 94 whose pedestal portion 95 tapers to a point to decrease surface area at the locus of inking; and secondly, a combination of non-adjustable rectilinear strips 96 attached to triangle 90 by suitable means 97, which may be pins, rivets or screws.

FIG. 6 shows the screws 92 and 93 adjusted into working position.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a typical French curve 100 with screws 101 and 102 being used along with a formed type of pedestal 103. Numerous bearing points may be utilized by inserting jack screws similar to screws 101 and 102 into tapped holes 104105106107 or a combination thereof. The quantity of lifting units cannot be held constant but may vary according to the shape and size of any drafting instrument being used and raised by means of these embodiments above the work sheet 52.

In FIG. 9 circular discs 111 are fused or fastened to a drafting instrument 110 which may take any of the forms herein referred to, and when so applied these discs will function to keep the instrument 110 01f the wetted surface of the work sheet 52. A tapped hole 112 extends through this assembly to allow the use of jack screws in the event more height is required to lift the instrument 110.

FIG. illustrates a means of guiding pedestal 122 by a bulbous thickening at edge of instrument 120, to facilitate free sliding motion.

FIG. 11 shows a means whereby a male member 131 is pressed into a female split member 132 clamping instrument 130 solidly between, making a permanent form of installation that is usable in reversible fashion; that is, the relative positions of pedestal elements 131 and 132 are reversible with the instrument itself.

FIG. 12 also shows a modification of a fixed and reversible embodiment of the invention by rounding off both ends of a screw 141 and inserting same through instrument 140.

FIG. 13 is another reversible form of the invention wherein a rounded nut 151 and a component screw 152 co-operate to clamp instrument 150 in compression therebetween.

To impart added strength to the instrument at the areas where the present invention applies thereto, these areas may be thickened as by preforming ribs 161 therein, (see FIG. 14) and providing along these ribs the apertures 162 for reception of the instrument-elevating pedestal elements of any of the species illustrated in the various views. Alternatively, similar ribs, as indicated at 171 in FIG. 15, may be added by any known adhesion process, instead of being preformed.

FIG. 16 shows use of common rivets I81 fastened to instrument 180, so that the heads of such rivets serve as the pedestals for the purpose of the invention.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a nut 191 permanently inserted into the instrument and serving as a control socket for the jack screw 192 which is adjustably threaded therein to gain heights desired above work sheet 52.

FIGS. 18 to 21 show how small cylinders may be mounted for free rotation between sets of bearing brackets attached to drafting instruments in a manner to cause such rollers to function as vertical spacers supplementing the spacer screws 201 and 202 of FIGS. 20 and 21, re' spectively, or serving in lieu of any such spacer screws, as in FIGS. 18 and 19. In all these embodiments the surfaces of the rollers 203, 204, 205 or 206 (as the case may be) may or may not be the only surfaces having constant contact with the work sheet 52. The roller brackets may be integral extensions of a clasping type of shield, such as shield 207 of FIG. 18, or shields 208, 209 of FIG. 20, or they may be flanged brackets secured to the edge of the drafting instrument, as at 210, 211 in FIG. 21, where the roller 206 is shown as readily releasable by unlatching a detent device 212.

In FIG. 19 the roller 204 is inserted in a slot formed in the drafting instrument 200 and has spindle extensions 214, 215 journaled therein.

In FIG. 20a pedestal 201a is in the form of a small roller whose body is threaded into a tapped or circumferentially recessed hole facilitating adjustment of the roller both angularly and axially.

In FIG. 20b pedestal 20112 has its splined body pressed firmly into a through hole in the drafting instrument, for permanent retention therein.

In FIG. 20c pedestal 201a has a body threaded into the drafting instrument, also a socket facilitating reception of a suitable adjusting tool, by way of the aperture in the instrument.

In FIG. 20d the pedestal 201d is similar to pedestal 2010 of FIG. 200, except that it projects beyond the surface of the drafting instrument to receive the adjusting tool.

In FIG. 20a the pedestal 2012 is threaded into a blind hole in the instrument, and is provided with a hand-receiving knurled portion to facilitate its adjustment.

In FIG. 20] the pedestal 201i has one or more fiatted surfaces to facilitate its adjustment.

In FIG. 20g the pedestal 201g is in the form of a split rivet pressed into a hole in the instrument.

In FIG. 20h the pedestal 20112 is splined for press-fitting into a blind receiving hole of the instrument.

In FIG. 20j the pedestal 201 is a drive type of screw for secure attachment to the drafting instrument.

In FIG. 20k the pedestal 201k has a flat upper surface for adhesive bonding or fusion with the lower surface of the instrument.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show how caged balls 221 (FIG. 22) or caged pins 222 (FIG. 23) may be installed into different type control sockets 223 and 224, respectively, thence separated by springs 225 and 226 and finally clamped to proper compression by caps 227 and 228, thereby allowing the balls 221 and pins 222 to function as vertical spacers. The embodiment shown in FIG. 22 also serves as a roller arrangement as the drafting instrument 229 is moved over the work sheet 52.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show removable type injector means of raising instruments vertically above a work sheet 52 instantaneously. In FIG. 24, injector 230 is pressed into and clamped by a split circular spring 231 of suitable tension. Spring 231 is fastened to drafting instrument 234 by conventional means 232.

In the FIG. 25 embodiment a ball 233 is lodged in a groove recessed in injector 235, and held in proper suspension by a spring 236 backed by a plug 237.

In FIGS. 26 to 28 is shown a drafting machine similar to FIG. 1, except that the common drafting machine scales 240 and 241 have been inserted into bell-crank 61 and are held in position by latching terminals 62 and 63. Adjusting screw 64 is again provided to maintain correct relationship between drafting machine and scales 240 and 241 above work sheet 52 when in use.

Jack screws 242243244 and 245 again raise the drafting machine components 240 and 241 above work sheet 52, while fingers 247 and 248 hold the paper or other work material downto an even plane. This embodiment enables thin edged drafting instrument scales to ride free of work sheet 52 permitting graphite or other fluid substances to be applied to work sheet 52. In this connection it may be noted that as used herein the terms fluid coloring and fluid delineation embrace ink, graphite, or any pigmentation or dye that is applicable to the work sheet 52 by way of a pen, pencil, brush or other applicator, and has the property of flowing, to some degree, before permanently setting or drying. Any such fluid material may blotch or smudge or smear the graphic composition that is being executed on the work sheet 52, in the absence of a method and means of protection such as is disclosed herein.

FIG. 29 shows the invention incorporated in a drafting blade 301 moving rectilinearly across a tiltable and vertically adjustable drawing board 302, such rectilinear traverse being accomplished with the aid of a pulleysupported cord 303, the blade having pedestal screws 304 and 305 adjustable therein to space the blade vertically from the work sheet 52, as in previously described embodiments. Pedestal 307 is allowed to slide horizontally in slot 308 holding down work sheet 52. Additionally, the blade may be stiffened by attachment of a rigid backer strip 309 and/or superimposed reinforcement strips along either or both surfaces, as shown at 310. Alternatively, strip 309 may be integrated with the blade 301a, as shown at 303a in FIG. 29a and may also have the pedestals integrated therewith, as at 305a in FIG. 29a. Such a strip may be added to all working edges of the blades shown in any of the species described herein, for re-aligning and renewing such edges.

Element 3020, moveable along slotted yoke 302b, facilitates locking of board 302 at any desired tilt angle, and in similar fashion, element 302d facilitates locking of the board-supporting assembly 302e at the desired height.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show a similar drawing board centrally or otherwise recessed to provide a depressed area to receive the work-griping pad 306 which may be held firmly against the depressed surface in any suitable manner, as by an adhesive coating thereon. With such an arrangement the outer margin 308 serves as the pedestal support for the drafting blade, to hold it spaced vertically above the surface of work sheet 52 which will be placed on and adhered to the work-gripping pad 306. Slots 308a allow removal of work sheet 52. Alternatively, pad 306 may be pivotally mounted, as by a pivot post similar to that shown at 325 in FIG. 30, for manual orientation as the drafting operation progresses.

FIG. 33 shows an embodiment similar to that of FIGS. 31 and 32, except for the addition of a cabinet 311 receiving lamps 312 and 313 energizable from a source 314 of electric current, for tracing and reproducing under the control of push-switch 315; also a re movable (slidable) partition 317 whose removal permits light to penetrate transparent panel 318 and thus illuminate the under side of the work sheet 52. Adjustment of partition 317 is controlled by adjusting screws 317a, and height by similar means 319a and 3195. Appara tus as shown in FIG. 33 allows an assortment of drafting room operations; tracing, drawing, inking, and reproduction to be contained in localized area.

FIG. 30 discloses a drawing board 320 having a flush or recessed area 324 as in FIGS. 31, 32 and 33, except that the area is circular and may be recessed for reception of a work sheet 52 serving the same purposes as in FIGS. 31, 32 and 33, and is rotatable within the board, and about a central pivot post 325, by motor-driven worm 322 and gear 323, the latter being secured to the rotatable panel 324 holding the work sheet 52 in a plane vertically spaced below the surface of board 320. Elements 321a to,321c permit manual control to over-ride motor 321 when desired. Apparatus as shown in FIG. 30 especially provides orientation of work sheet and lines thereon, and has possible advantages for many other uses than the drawing board, such as surveying, road maps or setting up a range on targets.

A pair of switches 330 and 331 control rotation of panel 324, the switch 331 being movable across pins 332-335, while switch 330 is a push switch controlling the motor directly. Pins 332 -335 lead to solenoid Windings 337340, respectively, each of which is part of an assembly similar to that shown at 350, which happens to be the assembly for solenoid 337. Assuming pin 335 to be engaged, the energization of solenoid 337 operates a plunger 341 terminating in a detent 342 engageable with a recess in a cam 346 to hold the panel in a desired angular position between successive rotations thereof. Cams 347 to 349 serve the same purpose in relation to solenoids 338 to 340, respectively.

Plunger 341 extends backwardly through an abutment 344 to receive a collar 345 and spring 343 held between said collar and said abutment, and terminates in a flange 351 positioned to trip micro-switches 352 and 352' as the plunger head 342 engages its recess in cam 346, as heretofore described. Tripping of switch 352 opens the motor circuit, de-energizing the motor 321, while tripping of switch 352 opens the circuit to solenoid 337, de-energizing the latter. The rotary elements having now become stationary, spring 343 is effective to retract plunger 341, thus restoring the parts to the normal positrons.

In addition to the power rotating means just described, there is a manual rotating means 359 in the form of a knob attached directly to the panel 324. Vernier scales 326 facilitate precise positioning following each rotary movement.

The board 320 of FIG. 30 is provided with a drafting instrument 358 moveable across the board in a manner heretofore described in referring to FIG. 29, and carries pedestals 357 functioning as do the pedestals 304, 307 and 305 of said FIG. 29.

FIG. 34 shows a drafting blade 360 rockable about a hinge 361 mounted on a carriage 362 slidable along edge of drawing board 363 and including a lever 364 slidable along 'yoke 365 to a selected angular position, in which it may be secured by a detent 366. Again, yoke 365 and lever 364 include angle-indicating markmgs, as in FIG. 30. Pedestals 367 of blade 360 serve as heretofore described. Blade 360 is capable of traverse both vertically and horizontally along board 363, which has rounded corners for this purpose.

FIG. 35 shows a tray 371 equipped with pedestals 372 having bosses 372a (see FIG. 35a) splined to engage and interlock with openings pre-formed in said tray. Drafting instrument 370 may be formed with openlugs to register with either end sections of the pedestals 372, to hold such instrument above a work surface supporting the tray 371. Wherever the word pen is used herein, it is to be understood as embracing any equivalent type of fiuid applicator, or any equivalent device for applying a delineating line or character to the graphic composition being created by such delineating process.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for use in graphic compositions, said apparatus comprising a pen-guiding instrument having recesses, and a tray having pedestal elements projecting from upper and lower surfaces thereof, to receive said instrument in either the obverse or subverse attitude of said tray.

2. Apparatus for use in executing graphic compositions, said apparatus comprising a blade having an edge adapted to be a support for a fluid-applying pen as the latter is manually moved along said edge, while said blade remains relatively stationary above the surface of the composition, said blade being disposedin a plane parallel to and spaced from the surface of the composition, pedestal means positioned near the ends of said blade for supporting said blade in said plane, complementary pedestal means having adjustable support upon said blade to provide compensatory shifting of said pedestal in relation to said blade to conform to any lack of parallelism between said blade and surface, in the area Where the pen is being applied, and a supplement to said blade, a tray having pedestal elements projecting from upper and lower surfaces thereof for application of a drafting instrument to either of said surfaces.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 42,012 Munson Mar. 22, 1864 408,387 Ortell et al. Aug. 6, 1889 697,848 Jarvis Apr. 15, 1902 789,585 Barnard et al. Feb. 8, 1904 842,144 Gee Jan. 22, 1907 8 Little Dec. 12, Meltzer Feb. 6, Cameron May 18, Little June 24, Guttman July 18, Howard Feb. 5, Canada Apr. 19, Helwig May 3, Boehm Mar. 4, Anderson July 26, Zauner July 3, Baxter Mar. 4,

FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain June 21, Germany Mar. 11, Germany Oct. 25,

OTHER REFERENCES R. S. Wallis: Notes on Mechanical Drawing, page 21. copyright 1922. 

1. APPARATUS FOR USE IN GRAPHIC COMPOSITIONS, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING A PEN-GUIDING INSTRUMENT HAVING RECESSES, AND A TRAY HAVING PEDESTAL ELEMENTS PROJECTING FROM UPPER AND LOWER SURFACES THEREOF, TO RECEIVE SAID 